Unregistered

New Member

Hello everyone, previously President Musharraf of Pakistan was interested in the Y-8J, that would be the AWACS with the big round nose, similar to the Israeli Phalcon AWACS. It uses a "Sky Master" radar with a range reportedly of 85km, 360 degree coverage. But I was thinking, today fighters can shoot BVR missiles from ranges of 70-75 km. So then shouldn't the Y-8J's radar system have a but more range to it? The Erieye has a coverage of 300km! Maybe I am not sure, but I believe the Sky master range is 85km. If the PAF decides to purchase the Y-8J to compliment the Erieyes, it'd be the first user to use this particular AWACS system. Thus, enabling the PAF to have more reliability in it own individual Air Force. I am glad the PLAAF is concentrating to make ELINT,Maritime patrol and AWACS versions of the Y-8 transport air craft. From recent news, I remeber reading something about the Y-9. Will this Transport air craft have these types of other platforms; for example like the AWACS version. If there is such a thing, the take off weight can hold more and allowing the dish/balance beam to be bigger. That'll bring the Y-9 more coverage.

If the PLAAF decides to do this, it can rely on itself in the AWACS section and then would not need further help from the Russians. :china:

Junior Member

Hello everyone, previously President Musharraf of Pakistan was interested in the Y-8J, that would be the AWACS with the big round nose, similar to the Israeli Phalcon AWACS. It uses a "Sky Master" radar with a range reportedly of 85km, 360 degree coverage.

If the PAF decides to purchase the Y-8J to compliment the Erieyes, it'd be the first user to use this particular AWACS system. Thus, enabling the PAF to have more reliability in it own individual Air Force. I am glad the PLAAF is concentrating to make ELINT,Maritime patrol and AWACS versions of the Y-8 transport air craft. From recent news, I remeber reading something about the Y-9. Will this Transport air craft have these types of other platforms; for example like the AWACS version. If there is such a thing, the take off weight can hold more and allowing the dish/balance beam to be bigger. That'll bring the Y-9 more coverage.

Don't forget, this aircraft (Y-8) is supposedly going to be used for some type of electronic jamming in addition to the other missions listed. So yes, it looks to be very useful. I wouldn't doubt Pakistan shows a desire to bring this aircraft into their inventory. To answer your question about Y-9, I believe it's the transport version only. Y-8 will cover most of the other duties. Tphuang may be able to correct me here. I'm not sure if it will be configurable like Y-8, but then again, I don't see why not from an engineering standpoint. And again, isn't Y-9 airframe derived from Y-8 anyway? Or at least very similar?

Brigadier

you are totally wrong here. Y-8J is an AEW used to detect sea objects. It's main job is to coordinate strikes for the DDGs and such. What Musharraf came to see is the mushrrom Y-8. Which is basically the mysterious third type of AWACS with pla. It basically put that KJ-2000 style phased array radar on top of a Y-8. Y-8F600 is pretty much the standard platform that China is using for all of its special mission duties. Y-9 is pretty much just Y-8F600, but using domestic components. So, it would pretty much serve similar purposes.

Junior Member

you are totally wrong here. Y-8J is an AEW used to detect sea objects. It's main job is to coordinate strikes for the DDGs and such. What Musharraf came to see is the mushrrom Y-8. Which is basically the mysterious third type of AWACS with pla. It basically put that KJ-2000 style phased array radar on top of a Y-8. Y-8F600 is pretty much the standard platform that China is using for all of its special mission duties. Y-9 is pretty much just Y-8F600, but using domestic components. So, it would pretty much serve similar purposes.

Junior Member

Its good to see the PLAAF/PLA investing in platforms and systems that serve to enhance their overall combat capabilities. The development of AWACS/AEWACS of the KLJ2000 and Y8 series as well as ELINT, EW as well as other versions (command, communication, JSTARS etc.) show that the PLA high command now appreciates the role of 'force multipliers' in modern air warfare. (That conclusion may be of course inaccurate, perhaps the reason we are seeing a proliferation of so many platforms currently is simply that only recently has money become available and research programs borne fruit!).

IMO this is one of the better ways for defense money to be spent. The limited funds available to a developing country like China mean that not all programs or projects can be funded. AWACS, ELINT and EW investment will ensure not only improved detection and characterization of threats, but also the possibility of their disruption and degradation (via EW). They also take advantage of China's rapidly developing electronics industry. Furthermore, the presence of these platforms greatly enhances the limited capabilities of China's large but mainly obsolescent fleet of combat aircraft.

The use of indigenously manufactured platforms (like the Y7, Y8 and maybe Y9) is icing on the cake, as they are cheaper, have an existing production infrastructure, and can be readily modified in-house to suite the needs of the client, (greatly enhancing security and independance), all the while keeping money flowing to their manufacturers, allowing for future investment and improvement. All in all a big plus for the developement of a comprehensive defense industry.